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MARIGOT--An extensive fire that started in the interior of the eco-landfill site in Grand Cayes, Cul-de-Sac, on Tuesday at 9:00pm was finally contained late Wednesday afternoon after reinforcements were brought in, the Préfecture disclosed.
Fanned by a strong easterly wind the fire began to spread towards the residential areas of Cul-de-Sac and Anse Marcel. Despite the efforts of the French side firemen during the night the fire could not be extinguished and focus was put on protecting houses closest to the fire. All available human resources were deployed including Gendarmerie and Police Territorial.
Préfète Anne Laubies requested reinforcements from the Dutch side, two fire trucks and a MSR trailer pump were dispatched, along with 13 fire fighters and they were on the scene assisting the French side firemen between 11:00am and 4:00pm Wednesday.
Assistance was also requested from Guadeloupe. The Préfète, Senator Guillaume Arnell, and second Vice-President of the Collectivité Ramona Connor were on site to monitor the situation.
In its press release Wednesday afternoon, the Préfecture declared the situation was now under control, confirmed also by a Dutch side fire officer and there are no reported injuries or damages to property.
The Préfecture informs the public that it is not allowed to visit the area for sightseeing as this could hamper the work of the fire department. It is also advising the public during this extremely dry period to be very careful not to accidentally start a fire.
